Introduction

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a flavorful and comforting pasta dish perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are cooked with a smoky, buttery sauce and tossed with linguine for a creamy, satisfying meal. This recipe balances spice, tang, and richness in every bite.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

12 oz linguine
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the linguine in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the linguine and set aside.
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and slice the chicken.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chicken broth, then let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding some reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 5: Add the sliced chicken and drained linguine back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well with the sauce and heat through for an additional minute.
Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this dish lighter or to accommodate dietary preferences.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother sauce texture.
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables and depth.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well for the best results.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It should be firm, no longer pink inside, and juices should run clear when cut.

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 73 reviews

Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with smoked paprika and red pepper flakes, combined with a rich butter-garlic sauce infused with Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Tossed with linguine and Parmesan cheese, this rustic, satisfying meal is garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz linguine

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Prepare chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side until thoroughly cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and slice into strips.
Make sauce base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chicken broth, then simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
Finish sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
Combine and heat: Return the sliced chicken and cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. Heat through for an additional minute to meld flavors and ensure warmth.
Serve: Immediately plate the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference to make it milder or spicier.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smoother sauce texture.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Chicken broth can be low sodium to control salt levels.
Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: chicken linguine, creamy pasta, smoked paprika chicken, garlic butter sauce, easy dinner recipe